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The Individual and Family Support Program (IFSP) at DBHDS provides a monthly news digest to highlight resources, events, and trainings that may be of interest to self-advocates and families.
You might have received an email from the IFSP on June 17th, notifying you about a public comment forum on Virginia TownHall related to the IFSP Regulations. You can review that message here: https://conta.cc/45tEfPo This comment forum will be open until 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, July 17th.
As always, for additional information about services and supports, please visit mylifemycommunityvirginia.org.
Thank you,
IFSP Staff
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If your contact information changes (e.g., your email and/or mailing address), please remember you can contact your CSB and/or Support Coordinator to update it in WaMS! By doing this, you will be able to receive important information about the resources you or someone else are eligible to receive while on the Waitlist. | | |
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We know many of you are eagerly anticipating details about our next funding cycle. The IFSP will share an announcement with official dates in the coming months. While we finalize the specifics, our goal is to begin accepting applications in October 2024. | |
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IMPORTANT: Were you approved for IFSP funds that were issued in April 2023 and/or December 2023? If you were awarded funds during these funding cycles, you must register your card and withdraw your funds as soon as possible. Please read this announcement for information.
Reminder: All Funding updates will be sent via this mailing list and posted on our My Life, My Community IFSP-Funding Page.
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Understanding and Preparing for Independent Living: Are you or a loved one with a developmental disability thinking about living on your own? Or are you already living on your own, but are you looking for information about other options? Join our IFSP Regional Councils on Thursday, July 18th at 6 p.m.! DBHDS Housing Coordinator Marie Fraticelli will share different housing options that you can explore to help you get ready to live on your own. Then you'll meet IFSP Councilmembers who will share their own stories about living independently! Self-advocates and families of individuals who are preparing for transition to adulthood or independent living, and individuals who are 18 and older who are considering independent living or different housing options are encouraged to attend. Professionals supporting these individuals are also encouraged to attend. Use this link to view the flyer and get the link to register!
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Peer Mentoring Program: Peer mentors at The Arc of Virginia are ready to meet you and help you achieve your goals! Learn more about the program and eligibility requirements at The Arc. For questions, email Natasha Cooper at ncooper@thearcofva.org.
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Family Mentoring Program: Getting support from someone who's been in your shoes can make a difference! Learn how the Family to Family Network at the Center for Family Involvement can help.
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Welcome to our IFSP Council Corner! This section in the IFSP Digest debuted in our Feb. 2024 issue, and will contain items submitted by our Regional Councils. This month, we are highlighting items from our Western and Southwestern Regional Councils. | |
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Virginia Disability Advocates Celebrate Legislative Wins: In May, Governor Glenn Youngkin signed the budget that will provide funding to support approximately the 3,400 families of people with disabilities, also known priority one waivers. Many disability advocates are still celebrating this news. Read or listen to this WVTF story from May. (Former IFSP Councilmember Jen Krajewski is featured in this story—we love to hear what our former Councilmembers are up to!)
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Formed Families Forward (FFF) | |
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Virginia's Kinship as Foster Care Prevention Program: 2024's SB 39 and HB 27: On May 21st, Governor Youngkin signed Senate Bill 39 and House Bill 27 into law. This legislation is focused on increasing foster care prevention through kinship placements, reinforcing the goal of reunification. Read FFF's blog post for more details.
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DBHDS Office of Integrated Health Supports Network (OIHSN) | |
June 2024 Newsletter Highlights | Read OIHSN's June 2024 newsletter for more on these highlights, their ABA snippets, and their App of the Month! |
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Summer Parks & Rec Activities: It's time for OIHSN's roundup of events, programs, and activities that are suitable for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities!
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Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month: June is recognized as a time to raise awareness about Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. Read the column to find out more about how dementia impacts adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
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July 2024 Caregiver Trainings |
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Skilled Nursing/Private Duty Nursing: Tuesday, July 9th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Register here.
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Diabetes Part 2: Thursday, July 11th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Register here.
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Recognizing Rapidly Declining Health: Tuesday, July 23rd from 1 to 3 p.m. Register here.
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COVLC My Care Passport & Advocacy Tip Sheets: Training will review the background of the Passport concept, how to complete the Microsoft fillable file, types of information to include in each section, and how the My Care Passport along with the Advocacy Tip Sheets can be used to bridge the communication gap between the community caregiver and the staff in acute care settings to improve care and outcomes for the individual with DD. This free online training is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Email dbhdscovlchelpdesk@dbhds.virginia.gov to set up an account.
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Opportunities, Events, and Resources for Professionals, Self-Advocates, and Families | |
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2024 Statewide Convention: This year's annual convention takes place in Virginia Beach from Monday, Aug. 19th through Wednesday, Aug. 21st. Visit https://www.thearcofvaconvention.com to view the schedule and register. A limited number of discounted scholarship rate for self-advocates and family members is available. There will also be free childcare available on Tuesday, Aug. 20th, but you must sign up. (Please note that registration closes on Thursday, Aug. 1st, or when capacity limit is reached!)
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Virginia Department of Health (VDH) | |
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Summer Safety Tips: VDH shares several tips to help keep you safe while you're having summer fun! Read this blog post for safety tips about extreme heat, food preparation, swim safety, and noise protection during Fourth of July celebrations.
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Caring for Yourself While Caring for Others: If you're a family member or caregiver who is looking for a way to fill your cup and plan for your own well-being, consider using this toolkit! This toolkit was developed by LifeCourse Nexus in partnership with Elevance Health. (Fun fact: The My Life, My Community website redesign in 2021 was modeled after the Charting the LifeCourse Framework, which was developed by the LifeCourse Nexus!)
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25th Anniversary of the Olmstead Decision | |
June 22nd marked the 25th anniversary of the Olmstead Decision, in which the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed that people with disabilities have the right to live in their communities. It continues to shape policy today and is at the heart of our work at DBHDS and the IFSP. | |
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Proclamation commemorating the 25th Anniversary of the Olmstead Decision: Visit this link to read Governor Youngkin's proclamation, officially recognizing the June 22nd anniversary of the Olmstead Decision, and its legacy in Virginia.
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June 25th Bill Signing: Listen to some of Governor Youngkin's remarks about the Olmstead Decision and supporting Virginians with developmental disabilities at this bipartisan bill signing ceremony in Salem. Eighteen bills were signed.
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Administration for Community Living (ACL) | |
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Bringing Olmstead to Life: Celebrating 25th Anniversary of the Landmark Disability Rights Supreme Court Case: Read this ACL blog post for reflections on the impact of Olmstead, and the latest efforts in making it a reality for everyone.
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Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Olmstead v. L.C.: Listen in on this 2-hour panel discussion that took place on June 20th, featuring people with disabilities, federal leaders, and national experts.
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COVID-19 Information and Resources | |
While the IFSP has done our best to share information on COVID-19 resources, this information is not a substitute for medical advice. Stay up to date and visit virginia.gov/coronavirus. | |
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The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) launched a COVID-19 toolkit for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The toolkit includes tip sheets for caregivers and providers, and is also available in Spanish. Find it here!
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We know that navigating the developmental disability system can be hard for families. Not sure where to start? Read our “IFSP: First Steps” guide to learn about the IFSP program at DBHDS and other important resources, supports, and services offered in the Commonwealth of Virginia! Visit https://tinyurl.com/IFSP-FirstSteps, or use your mobile device to scan the QR code here. | |
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Thank you for reading the IFSP Digest! | |
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IFSP is always looking for more newsletter recommendations! What organizations would you like to see featured? What should we subscribe to? Please send your suggestions to IFSPCom@dbhds.virginia.gov.
If you liked the information in this digest, give us a follow on Facebook by clicking the icon below! To receive updates about events in your community, also follow your regional IFSP Council’s Facebook page. (Not sure which region you're in? Find out on My Life, My Community!)
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